Originally opened on Boxing Day 1912, The Palace is one of the earliest purpose-built
cinemas in the country. Retaining many of its original features, the building has
been sympathetically converted for use as a general purpose community venue, suitable
for a wide range of social, artistic and commercial activities.

The Palace is owned by Ibstock Parish Council and managed for them on behalf of the
local community by The Palace Community Centre Ltd., a charity registered under the
Industrial and Provident Societies Acts.

July 2009

Predating all of the Art-Deco style super cinemas of the 1920’s – 1930’s, the Palace
is one of the earliest existing examples of a purpose-built cinema in the country.
Built on the original 'fair field', where the travelling theatre would make an annual
visit, as well as the fair, a weekend market, and the cricket field, the site has
been the centre of popular entertainment in the village of Ibstock for over one hundred
years. In 1912, the Palace, designed by local architects Goddard & Wain of Coalville,
was built by Baxter’s Builders; it opened its doors for the first time on Boxing
Day that year. Unable to compete with the rise of televisions and large out of town
cinemas, the last film to roll off the reel was Walt Disney’s “Jungle Book” in 1970.
Still a provider of popular community entertainment, the Palace was used as a Bingo
Hall, before finally closing for business in 1986. Bought by the Parish Council on
3 October 1995 the building was leased to the Palace Arts Centre Ltd in 2000.